6 things you can do to participate in National Poetry Month

March 19, 1:25 PMDC Poetry ExaminerCarrie Addington

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April is fast approaching, which means National Poetry Month is almost in full bloom. April is the month where I feel obliged to force upon my coworkers, friends, and family my passion for poetry.

National Poetry Month is a national celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 that aims to “widen the attention of individuals and the media—to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage, and to poetry books and journals of wide aesthetic range and concern.” Feeling inspired? Wondering what to do? Try some of these activities:

1. Poem in Your Pocket Day. The idea here is to select a favorite poem of yours. Carry it with you on April 30th and share it with friends, coworkers, fellow commuters, your postal carrier. Don't have a favorite poem? Well you have till April 30th to find one, so get reading!

2. Free Verse Project. Whoever said poetry is all rhyming and something resembling a caged antiquity is absolutely wrong. The Free Verse Project allows participants to submit photos of lines from poetry spelled out with creative objects. There are no limits; creativity knows no boundaries. Check out the online gallery to see what I mean.

3. Poem-A-Day. Consider it your cultural multi-vitamin. Get a daily dose of poetry throughout the month by signing up for daily emails.

4. Spring Books: A Fresh New Look. So, you are tired of hearing the old faithful’s like Whitman and Pound, Plath and Ginsberg. Well, check out the Academy’s list of upcoming releases for this Spring.

5. National Poetry Map. What could possibly be going on in this area for National Poetry Month? Check out the events on the National Poetry Map. Traveling for part of the month? Look at your location and get a taste of another’s city’s local talent.

6. Resource Central. Check out the resources for teachers, students, librarians and booksellers. They are plentiful and make for great activities with your own family.

Participate in one activity or enjoy them all. April and National Poetry Month are a celebration of the word, and you are invited. Ask yourself, “Do I dare disturb the universe?”